The Ultimate Michigan Family Vacation: Great Lakes, Outdoor Adventures & Kid-Friendly Fun
Arrive in Detroit & Explore
Fly into Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).
Top Things to Do in Detroit
- Visit The Henry Ford Museum & Greenfield VillageA must-see for history lovers.
- Tour the Motown MuseumBirthplace of legendary Motown music.
- Explore the Detroit Institute of ArtsHome to Diego Rivera's famous murals.
- Dinner at Lafayette or American Coney IslandTry Detroit-style coney dogs!
Overnight in Detroit.
Ann Arbor & Drive to Sleeping Bear Dunes
Drive from Detroit to Ann Arbor (45 minutes).
Top Things to Do in Ann Arbor
- Walk Through the University of Michigan Campus.
- Explore the Iconic Literati Bookstore.
- Try a Slice at Mani Osteria or Zingerman's Deli.
Drive from Ann Arbor to Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore (4 hours).
Overnight in Glen Arbor or Traverse City.
Sleeping Bear Dunes & Traverse City
Top Things to Do in Sleeping Bear Dunes
- Climb the Dune ClimbA challenging but rewarding trek with stunning views.
- Drive Pierce Stocking Scenic DriveIncredible overlooks of Lake Michigan.
- Relax at Empire Beach or Glen Haven Beach.
- Kayak on Crystal River in Glen Arbor.
- Explore Traverse City (30 minutes from the dunes).
Top Things to Do in Traverse City
- Wine Tasting on Old Mission Peninsula.
- Try Cherry Pie at Grand Traverse Pie Company.
- Bike Along the TART Trail.
Overnight in Traverse City.
Drive to Mackinac Island - A Step Back in Time
Drive from Traverse City to Mackinaw City (3 hours).
Take the Ferry to Mackinac Island (20 minutes).
Top Things to Do on Mackinac Island
- Bike the 8-Mile Mackinac Island LoopNo cars allowed!
- Tour Fort MackinacA Revolutionary War-era fort.
- Try Fudge from Murdick's or Ryba'sA Mackinac tradition!
- Explore the Grand HotelA famous historic hotel with epic lake views.
Overnight on Mackinac Island.
Upper Peninsula - Tahquamenon Falls & Pictured Rocks
Take the Ferry back to Mackinaw City & Drive into the U.P.
Drive from Mackinaw City to Tahquamenon Falls State Park (1.5 hours).
Top Things to Do at Tahquamenon Falls
- See the Upper & Lower FallsThe largest waterfalls in Michigan.
- Hike Along the River Trail.
- Stop at Tahquamenon Falls Brewery for a Local Beer.
Drive from Tahquamenon Falls to Munising (2 hours).
Overnight in Munising (Gateway to Pictured Rocks).
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
Top Things to Do at Pictured Rocks
- Take a Pictured Rocks Boat CruiseThe best way to see the colorful cliffs.
- Hike to Miners Castle Overlook.
- Go Kayaking Along the Cliffs (Optional Adventure).
- Relax at Sand Point Beach.
Overnight in Munising.
Drive Back to Detroit & Depart
Drive from Munising to Detroit (6.5 hours).
Optional Stops Along the Way
- Stop in MarquetteA charming town on Lake Superior.
- Visit Kitch-iti-kipi, Michigan's Largest Spring.
Fly out of Detroit (DTW).
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Tell Me About Your TripHeader photo: Hdeon1, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.